Most of us know the names of our favorite bar drinks by the classification of liquor. In other words, you want a rum and coke or a gin martini. In many cases, however, you'll enjoy your bar drinks more when you order call drinks instead.

A call drink is a mixed bar drink that specifies the brand of liquor you want in the glass. You might say, for example, that you want a Bacardi and coke rather than letting the bartender choose which type of rum you prefer. You could even get more specific and say you want a Bacardi 151 and coke.

The benefit of ordering call drinks is that you always know the quality of the liquor you'll be drinking. When you leave it up to the bartender, you might receive a drink made from the lowest-quality liquor in the bar, or you might wind up overpaying for an expensive drink you can't afford. Since prices are based on the ingredients in each drink, it pays to be specific.

The ordering of call drinks has become more popular in recent years because there are far more options available at your local bar. Many patrons, for example, have begun requesting Veev in their mixed drinks instead of more common options.

Furthermore, when you order call drinks, you immediately identify yourself as a connoisseur. The bartender and all nearby patrons will assume you know what you're talking about, and suddenly those around you will be asking for recommendations. This elevates your status at the bar and might even score you a date.

When ordering call drinks, you should always give the brand of liquor first, followed by the mixer. In other words, you should say you want a Tanqueray and tonic rather than a tonic and Tanqueray. Alternatively, you can give the bartender the name of the mixer, then name two or three brands of liquor you appreciate.

It is important to note that call drinks are usually more expensive than well drinks. When you order rum and coke, for example, the bartender is going to serve you Coca-Cola with the well brand of rum, which is usually much lower quality than any of their call brands. Therefore, you shouldn't order call drinks unless you can afford them on your tab.

Written by Steve Thompson

Home to the worlds' most beautiful people and dozens of chic and trendy bars, Los Angeles is a city where local bars and mixologists rarely hold back on making the latest cocktail with a unique twist. The entertainment capital of the world serves up something for all tastes; from the local jazz bar on the coast to the sports bar in downtown L.A., you're sure to find a place to settle in for good times, great food and a one-of-a-kind cocktail menu.

Whether you're spending the night in tinseltown or exploring the upscale lounges in Santa Monica, you'll find dozens of local bars serving up the latest trends with signature drinks - the bar drinks that help carve a venue's spot in the best of L.A.'s nightlife scene.

Trends at Local Bars in L.A.

Bars in L.A. are some of the first in the country to pick up the latest trends in mixed drinks and cocktails, and the local mixology scene has grown into its own culture with a strong following of creative mixologists, talented bartenders and seasoned cocktail gurus.

Some of the latest, noteworthy trends at L.A. bars include:

VeeV cocktails: The antioxidant-rich liquor is becoming a popular choice for making a super-smooth cocktail. Made with açaí berries, VeeV is a refreshing addition to the cocktail menu at several bars and lounges around L.A.

Kiddie Martinis: Feel like a kid again, albeit with grownups' privileges, by ordering up a Cereal Milk Martini made with Lucky Charms, Frangelico and half-and-half for a refreshing twist on your usual cocktail. The Mojito Jell-O shot is another popular trend at several local bars in L.A.

The Vintage Cocktail: The classic, 1800s-style cocktails are taking on a modern twist with new garnishes and creative presentations. Add house-made bitters to the mix for the ultimate vintage experience.

The Herbal Mix: Muddling herbs such as fresh sage, cloves, basil and even Serrano chilies into bar drinks is becoming a popular trend across L.A., and mixologists are using herbs both in the drink and as a garnish for some of the latest cocktails.

Champagne Cocktails: Skip the usual glass of champagne for that next celebration in favor of a champagne-based cocktail. A mixture of sugar, lemon, ice and fruit topped with champagne offers a refreshing twist to the norm.

Written by Sabah Karimi

You've read about the how bartenders and mixologists are replacing their traditional drinks with VeeV cocktails, but why should you make the transition? After all, many of us are stuck in our ways and comfortable with the familiar.

However, if you aren't willing to try a little variety in your drinking habits, you'll be missing out on some great opportunities, not to mention great taste. VeeV is one of the most popular drinks right now, both as a shooter and as a prime ingredient in favorite cocktails.

First, the hangover potential with VeeV is minimal compared to other liquor choices. When you decide to spend a night throwing back drinks with your friends, you won't have to worry about whether or not you've stocked up on aspirin and orange juice. Furthermore, VeeV is considered a "green" drink, which means that its production is intended to promote environmental causes.

VeeV is made with a particularly interesting fruit, called açaí, which is native to Brazil and chocked full of helpful antioxidants. Rather than letting the negative effects of alcohol build in your system, the açaí fruit helps to sluice those toxins out of your body.

The makers of VeeV have also pledged to donate $1 from the sale of every bottle to the Sustainable Açaí Project, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to farming and preserving the rain forest. This obviously strikes a chord with those who are concerned about the environment and wish to contribute to its preservation.

Unfortunately, it might be difficult to find VeeV in your local bar, as the distribution has thus far been very exclusive. However, if you continue to request it as a replacement for some of the more traditional liquor, you might find a nice surprise in your friendly, neighborhood bar.

This might also be a great time to start experimenting with VeeV recipes. You won't want to be behind the times once VeeV becomes a national, alcoholic-drink staple, and you might as well have fun with it. To learn more about VeeV, visit the official website.

Written by Steve Thompson

It is no secret that we live in a more eco-conscious society. This is made evident by the amount of products and services available to the public that specialize in eco-friendly variations of popular products. Going green doesn't only mean reconstructing your driving habits and other aspects of your life, but you can also be eco-friendly through what you eat and drink.

Sharing adult beverages with your friends is a great way to spend an evening together and have an overall great time. While there are numerous drink combinations available, there are also many eco-friendly drinks that can provide you with great tasting beverages that are friendly to the environment.

There are many eco-friendly drinks available to purchase and even make. Some of the most popular eco-friendly drink choices include organic wine and beer. Organically developed beverages have been produced with the highest green standards, thus their production is not harmful to the environment. VeeV is another eco-friendly alcoholic beverage. Made from the Brazilian açaí berry, it can be swapped for vodka in any cocktail. VeeV is the industry's first certified carbon-neutral company, and it donates $1 per bottle to the Brazilian rainforest.

The importance of choosing eco-friendly drinks, or green drinks, does not only help your body, by not consuming various chemicals and toxins, but also the environment greatly benefits from these green drinks. Choosing to purchase eco-friendly drinks means the overall production of greenhouse gases due to fuel-intensive transporting, such as through trucks and airplanes, is dramatically reduced.

Many major metropolitan cities have bars and other establishments that serve eco-friendly drinks. An example of such places is the Butterfly Social Club and the Funky Buddha Lounge, both located in Chicago, Illinois. These establishments are aiding the cause of green living, which are having a major impact on both local and worldwide green levels.

Eco-friendly drinks are not only becoming more popular among the mainstream, but they offer the everyday individual an opportunity to help the environment one drink at a time. While adult beverages are a mainstay in our society, consuming eco-friendly drinks will ensure our world will be around long enough for future generations to enjoy this social tradition.

Sources:

http://www.greenyour.com/home/kitchen-cooking/cooking/tips/serve-eco-friendly-food

http://chicago.metromix.com/bars-and-clubs/article/eco-lixirs/168268/content

Written by Jonathan McLelland

Did you ever wonder why so many classic party and cocktail drinks are mixed with vodka? The clear spirit lets the color of the mixed ingredients show through, and vodka's neutral taste blends with the added flavorings.

But now there is a fascinating alternative to bland, old vodka. Experience VeeV, the new 60-proof, clear spirit with a tantalizing flavor of rich, dark berries with a hint of chocolate and a touch of citrus. And here's a real reason to drink to your health: a main ingredient in VeeV is the açaí berry, a super food with the highest levels of antioxidants of any fruit. The other key ingredients, acerola cherries and prickly pear add a tangy zest with the benefit of vitamin C.

Drinks mixed with VeeV are smoother and more satisfying than those made with vodka. If you want to add sophistication with a new twist to your classic mixed drinks, try these recipes. You are sure to get compliments and questions about your exotic, new creations.

Electric Screwdriver

1 ounce VeeV

5 ounces fresh-squeezed orange juice

dash of Rose's Lime Juice

Fill in a highball glass and stir gently.

Red Russian

1 ounce strawberry liqueur

1 ounce VeeV

1 ounce heavy cream

Pour layers in the order listed, in a lowball glass.

Harvey Wallbanger

1 ounce VeeV

4 ounces fresh orange juice

1 ounce Galliano

Pour VeeV and orange juice into a Collins glass over ice cubes and mix. Float Galliano over the mix and serve.

Grasshopper

1 ounce VeeV

1 ounce green Crème de Menthe

1 ounce white Crème de Cacao

Shake in a tumbler with ice; strain into a cocktail glass and serve.

Yellow Fever

1 ounce VeeV

5 ounces lemonade

Juice of one lime wedge

Combine into highball glass. Add a lemon wedge garnish.

The Stinger

1 ounce VeeV

1 ounce white Crème de Cacao

Shake with chipped ice and strain into a cocktail glass.

While you and your guests are enjoying your fabulous creations, you can take pride in the fact that the VeeV brand supports eco-friendly "green" initiatives like the Rainforest Action Network and Sambazon's Sustainable Açaí Project, by donating $1 per bottle to the causes. Açaí (pronounced ah-sigh-EE) is a slender palm tree that bears its purple fruit at the crown of the palm fronds. Açaí, which is the national fruit of Brazil, has 57 percent more antioxidants than blueberries and pomegranates, and up to 30 percent more of the heart-healthy flavinoids found in red wine. VeeV provides a healthy, delicious and eco-friendly ingredient to your classic mixes.

Written by David Claerr